Council refuses meeting with Holywell Mead group (From Bucks Free Press)

Council refuses meeting with Holywell Mead group

9:30am Tuesday 31st March 2009 in Search By Oliver Evans

A COUNCILLOR who led the closure of Holywell Mead outdoor swimming pool has refused to meet campaigners trying to keep it open – because he has seen no plans.

Councillor Tony Green told a campaigner he would be happy to meet the group but only when Wycombe District Council was given specific proposals.

The council agreed to close the pool, by The Rye, last month to save £66,000 a year.

He was asked at last night’s meeting of the full council by Louise Browne when “ideas and proposals” by the Holywell Mead Pool Trust Steering Group would be heard.

Cllr Green, cabinet member for younger and older people, said: “The simple answer is they will be considered when the council receives any proposals.”

He said: “To date no proposals have been received so there is nothing to consider.”

Mrs Browne then asked: “Would the council be so kind so as to extend the courtesy of a face to face meeting given the community support that our campaign has attracted?”

Cllr Green said: “It is somewhat difficult because we know nothing about the Holywell Mead Pool Trust Steering Group.”

The council was happy to consider any proposals regarding the pool, which the group wants to run as an independent trust or charity, he said.

He added: “I am not sure who it represents and what it is representative of.

“It is very difficult to have a meeting to discuss proposals when no proposals have been forthcoming.”

Mrs Browne later told Bucks Free Press: “It would be courteous even if somebody was to come to one of our meetings.

“It is something the public feel very strongly about.”